Ridgely-Dorsey Papers, 1733-1885, MS 717

The collection consists of the bills and receipts (1870-1885) of Margaretta S. [Howard] Ridgely; a log book (1756-1758) of Capt. Charles Ridgely; and an account book (1733-1760) of Caleb Dorsey.

Margaretta S. [Howard] Ridgely Papers

Margaretta S. [Howard] Ridgely (1824-1904) was the wife of Charles Ridgely (1830-1872). Soon after her husband's death her son John (1851-1838) married Helen West Stewart, and Margaretta lived with them at Hampton. She also had a house in Baltimore. The bills and receipts (1870-1885) are for items she purchased while at Hampton and the Baltimore house. The receipts cover repairs to the houses, furniture, many books, clothing, and dry goods. These bills and receipts are supplemented by her bills and receipts for the last years she lived in London (1870-1871) before her husband's death. These earlier papers are found in MS. 692, Box 15. Margaretta Ridgely's incoming letters are in MS. 1127, Boxes 3 and 4.

Capt. Charles Ridgely Logbook

Capt. Charles Ridgely (1733-1790) earned his title as a sea captain in the 1750s and 1760s. His logbook covers the period he was captain of the snow (squarerigged vessel similar to a brig) named Baltimore Town. The vessel traveled from London to Virginia and Maryland in 1756-1758. It was owned by William Dunn and Stockton and chartered by James Russell, a London merchant. (Other records of Ridgely's dealing with Russell are in MS. 691, MS. 692, and MS. 692.1.) Ridgely's logbook records wind direction, weather conditions, and the crew's activites during the voyages.

Caleb Dorsey Account Book

Caleb Dorsey (1710-1771) was Capt. Charles Ridgely's father-in-law, and also an iron master. His account book (1733-1760) includes accounts of dry goods purchased and drafts of letters sent. Some letters discuss pig iron and the Elkridge Iron Works of which he was part owner.